A comparison of health and socioeconomic indicators in the townships of Orangi and Karimabad.

Socioeconomic, demographic, and health characteristic surveys were conducted by medical and nursing students of the Aga Khan University in two settlements of Karachi city. Comparisons of health and socioeconomic indicators are made between Orangi, a squatter settlement (katchi abadi) and Karimabad, a middle class community. Results of these surveys suggest that the demo graphic and health characteristics of Karimabad reflect a society in transition from traditional or preindustrial to an industrial society, while Orangi has more of the characteristics of a developing society. The epidemiologic transition theory is discussed and the effects on the demographic and social patterns of populations are summarized. (JPMA36: 218,1986).